A Special Screening of Amazing Grace, the long-awaited documentary featuring Aretha Franklin’s renowned performances at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, has been added to AFI FEST 2018 presented by Audi. Marking the film’s West Coast premiere, the Special Screening will take place Thursday, November 15, 8:00 p.m. at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
The live performances, ranked among Ms. Franklin’s finest, were originally recorded and filmed during a church service in Watts on January 13 and 14, 1972. Warner Bros. Pictures captured the footage for a companion documentary to the double live album “Amazing Grace.” “Amazing Grace” would go on to be the biggest selling album of Aretha Franklin’s career, and the best-selling gospel album of all time. Mired in technical issues, the film was never released to the public.
Producer Alan Elliott acquired the film rights in 2007 and worked with a team of producers including Joe Boyd, Robert Johnson, Chiemi Karasawa, Sabrina Owens, Jerry Wexler, Tirrell D. Whittley and Joseph Woolf, to bring the feature-length documentary to light. The film was edited by Jeff Buchanan and its music was mixed by Jimmy Douglass. The documentary is a labor of love and a timely tribute to the music icon who passed away in August 2018. The film is now ready for release with the complete support and blessing from The Aretha Franklin Estate.
After decades of waiting, fans of the Queen of Soul can view her iconic performance at the AFI FEST 2018. The film features Ms. Franklin’s legendary gospel hits, performed in front of a distinguished audience that includes her father, the famed Reverend C.L. Franklin, Gospel legends Clara Ward and Mother Ward of the Ward Family Singers along with Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones (who were in Los Angeles recording “Exile on Main Street”).
Film Festivals
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Aretha Franklin Documentary AMAZING GRACE Added to AFI FEST 2018
A Special Screening of Amazing Grace, the long-awaited documentary featuring Aretha Franklin’s renowned performances at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, has been added to AFI FEST 2018 presented by Audi. Marking the film’s West Coast premiere, the Special Screening will take place Thursday, November 15, 8:00 p.m. at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
The live performances, ranked among Ms. Franklin’s finest, were originally recorded and filmed during a church service in Watts on January 13 and 14, 1972. Warner Bros. Pictures captured the footage for a companion documentary to the double live album “Amazing Grace.” “Amazing Grace” would go on to be the biggest selling album of Aretha Franklin’s career, and the best-selling gospel album of all time. Mired in technical issues, the film was never released to the public.
Producer Alan Elliott acquired the film rights in 2007 and worked with a team of producers including Joe Boyd, Robert Johnson, Chiemi Karasawa, Sabrina Owens, Jerry Wexler, Tirrell D. Whittley and Joseph Woolf, to bring the feature-length documentary to light. The film was edited by Jeff Buchanan and its music was mixed by Jimmy Douglass. The documentary is a labor of love and a timely tribute to the music icon who passed away in August 2018. The film is now ready for release with the complete support and blessing from The Aretha Franklin Estate.
After decades of waiting, fans of the Queen of Soul can view her iconic performance at the AFI FEST 2018. The film features Ms. Franklin’s legendary gospel hits, performed in front of a distinguished audience that includes her father, the famed Reverend C.L. Franklin, Gospel legends Clara Ward and Mother Ward of the Ward Family Singers along with Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones (who were in Los Angeles recording “Exile on Main Street”).
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GREEN BOOK Wins Best Film, CAPERNAUM, THE PUSH Win Awards at 2018 St. Louis International Film Festival
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“Green Book” directed by Peter Farrelly[/caption]
The St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) presented seven major filmmaking awards during the course of the 2018 festival, with the award for Best Film going to “Green Book” directed by Peter Farrelly. Other awards include Charles Guggenheim Cinema St. Louis Awards to Jim Finn, Jane Gilooly, and Karyn Kusama; Women in Film Award to Melanie Mayron; Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Edwards and John Goodman; and the Contemporary Cinema Award to Jason Reitman.
2018 St. Louis International Film Festival Awards Winners
Shorts Awards
Juries choose the winners of seven awards from among the shorts in competition. The SLIFF shorts competition is officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, making the winners in the Best of Fest, Best Animated, Best Live Action, and Best Documentary categories eligible to submit for Oscar® consideration. The 2018 winners: Best Documentary Short: “Koka, The Butcher” directed by Bence Máté Best Local Short: “The Buck: Midwest Gully” directed by Jun Bae Best Short Short: “The Puppy Trials” directed by Becky Nicol & Thomas Nicol Best International Short: “Death, Father & Son” directed by Waltgenwitz Denis & Paronnaud Vincent Best Animated Short: “Le Mans 1955” directed by Quentin Baillieux Best Live-Action Short: “Rainbow Ruthie” directed by Ruthie Marantz Best of Fest: “Souls of Totality” directed by Richard RaymondInterfaith Awards
Juries gives Interfaith Awards to both a documentary and a narrative, choosing from among 10 competition films (five in each category), which were selected for their artistic merit; contribution to the understanding of the human condition; and recognition of ethical, social, and spiritual values. The 2018 winners: Best Documentary Feature: “Intelligent Lives” directed by Dan Habib Best Narrative Feature: “Eternal Winter” directed by Attila Szasz St. Louis Film Critics Association Joe Pollack and Joe Williams Awards In conjunction with the St. Louis Film Critics organization, SLIFF holds juried competitions for documentary and narrative features. The awards are named in honor of the late St. Louis Post-Dispatch critics Joe Pollack (narrative) and Joe Williams (documentary). The winners are picked by two juries composed of St. Louis film critics. SLIFF chose eight films to compete in each category. The 2018 winners: Best Documentary Feature: “Letter from Masanjia” directed by Leon Lee Best Narrative Feature: “The Captain” directed by Robert SchwentkeMidrash Award
Midrash St. Louis engages myriad aspects of American culture — hot topics, deep subjects, music, arts, and film — and seeks to give and receive commentary on the subjects and issues that matter to people in St. Louis and that form and shape our views and lives. The Midrash St. Louis Film Award celebrates St. Louis-related films of honesty and artistry that portray the need or the hope for reconciliation or redemption. These are among the most powerful and worthy themes that films should explore. Eligible work for the Midrash St. Louis Film Award includes feature and short films largely shot in St. Louis or directed by filmmakers with strong local ties. The award comes with a cash prize of $500. The 2018 winner: “The Man Behind the Merferds” directed by Josh HerumNew Filmmakers Forum Emerging Director Award (The Bobbie)
The New Filmmakers Forum (NFF) annually presents the Emerging Director Award. Since its inception, NFF was co-curated by Bobbie Lautenschlager. Bobbie died in the summer of 2012, and SLIFF honors her memory by nicknaming the NFF Emerging Director Award as the Bobbie. Five works by first-time feature filmmakers competed for the prize, which includes a $500 cash award. The 2018 winner: Emerging Director Award (“The Bobbie”): “Farmer of the Year” directed by Vince O’Connell & Kathy SwansonSpotlight on Inspiration Documentary Award
This year, SLIFF inaugurates this juried competition, which awards a $5,000 prize to a feature documentary that focuses on people working to make the world a better place and that inspires audience members and leaves them with a sense of hope for the future. The 2018 winner: “The Providers” directed by Laura Green & Anna Moot-LevinBest of Fest Audience Choice Awards
Audience voting determines the winner of three awards from among the films in competition. The 2018 winners: Leon Award for Best Documentary Film: “The Push” directed by Grant Korgan & Brian Niles TV5MONDE Award for Best International Film: “Capernaum” directed by Nadine Labaki Best Film: “Green Book” directed by Peter Farrelly
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TOMORROW, TRANSMILITARY, GENERAL MAGIC Win Awards at 2018 Napa Valley Film Festival
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Tomorrow[/caption]
The 8th Annual Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) announced this year’s juried and audience award winners at the Uptown Theatre in Napa on Saturday, November 10, 2018.
The festival also announced that the next edition will take place from November 13 to 17, 2019.
Each of the festival winners received a large format wine bottle from one of the festival’s esteemed Vintner Circle winery partners. The two winners of the 18 films that vied for the title of Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature, as determined by the respective juries, were awarded $10,000, presented by Meadowood Napa Valley.
“I was most impressed by the array of topics and compelling and courageous film subjects included in this year’s festival,” said juror Amy Shatsky, Series Producer of PBS’s Independent Lens. Juror Alexandre Philippe, filmmaker and creative director of Exhibit A Pictures, also said, “Having served on multiple juries throughout the world, serving on the documentary jury at NVFF was unequivocally one of the most pleasant and enriching experiences of my year.”
2018 Napa Valley Film Festival Juried Awards
Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature presented by Rombauer Vineyards, and with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Meadowood Napa Valley, goes to Tomorrow. Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature presented by Acumen Wines, and with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Meadowood Napa Valley, goes to General Magic. Jury Award for Best Screenplay presented by Charles Krug Winery goes to Are You Glad I’m Here. Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast presented by Vintner’s Collective goes to Cold Brook. Jury Award for Best Narrative Short presented by Reynolds Family Winery goes to Have It All. Jury Award for Best Documentary Short presented by RiverHouse by Bespoke Collection goes to Fear Us Women. Jury Award for Best Verge Film presented by Cru by Vineyard 29 goes to Summer ‘03. Special Jury Award – Best Genre Bending presented by VGS Chateau Potelle goes to White Tide: The Legend of Culebra. Special Jury Award – Best Untold Story presented by Cuvaison goes to TransMilitary.2018 Napa Valley Film Festival Audience Awards
Audience Award for Favorite Actor presented by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines goes to Sebastian Street for his work in the film Tomorrow. Honorable Mention, presented by Castellucci Napa Valley, goes to Logan Miller for his work in the film You Can Choose Your Family. Audience Award for Favorite Actress presented by Italics Winegrowers goes to Stephanie Leonidas for her work in the film Tomorrow. Honorable Mention, presented by Castellucci Napa Valley, goes to Skyler Samuels for her work in the film Spare Room. Audience Award for Favorite Documentary Feature presented by Provenance Vineyards goes to TransMilitary. Audience Award for Favorite Documentary Short presented by Hess Collection goes to Fear Us Women. Audience Award for Favorite Narrative Feature presented by Alpha Omega Winery goes to Tomorrow. Audience Award for Favorite Narrative Short presented by Duckhorn Portfolio goes to Tzeva Adom: Color Red. Audience Award for Favorite Food & Beverage Spotlight Film presented by Grgich Hills Estate goes to Soufra. Audience Award for Favorite Special Screening presented by Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards goes to Pick of the Litter. Audience Award for Favorite Verge Film presented by Barnett Vineyards goes to White Tide: The Legend of Culebra. The documentary film Sharkwater Extinction also received Special Recognition by the NVFF Programming Team for Courageous Filmmaking. Narrative Features Jury: Richard Keith, Nancy Collet and Jill Green Documentary Features Jury: Alexandre O. Philippe, Amy Shatsky and Lissa Gibbs Narrative Shorts Jury: Emily Ting, Felicity Wren and Brent Emery Documentary Shorts Jury: Jonathan Robinson, Miguel Martinez and Sophie Constantinou Verge Jury: Jeff Grace, Gren Wells and Alece Oxendine
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Watch an EXCLUSIVE Clip from CHINA LOVE on Chinese Ritual of Pre-Wedding Photography
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China Love. At Only Photo Studio just out of Shanghai. This is a “go-to” pre wedding photography studio with 3 floors of ‘old world’ romantic and fantasy sets. July 2015[/caption]
Just for you our readers, an exclusive clip from China Love directed by Olivia Martin-McGuire premiering in the U.S. on November 9, 2018 at 2018 DOC NYC.
China Love takes us on a billion-dollar ride of fantasy exploring contemporary China through the window of the pre-wedding photography industry. The film is a feature length observational documentary which follows Chinese and Australian participants as they navigate love, weddings and family in the lead up to the most important ritual of Chinese society – getting married.
China Love is directed and produced by Olivia Martin-McGuire, produced by Rebecca Barry and Madeleine Hetherton, and features documentary subject Allen Shi the owner of the Jihao Group.
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Austin Film Festival Announces 2018 Winners, THE INTERPRETERS Wins Hiscox Courage Award
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The Interpreters[/caption]
Austin Film Festival (AFF) announced its 2018 Jury Award winners, Hiscox Audience and Courage Award Winners, and the Screenplay Competition winners.
One film was selected to receive the Hiscox Courage Award. Voted on by the audience, the Hiscox Courage Award is presented to the film that best embodies the virtue of courage and to the filmmaker who best embraced the risk to share the story. The 2018 Hiscox Courage Award was awarded to The Interpreters, directed by Andres Caballero and Sofian Khan. The Interpreters is a documentary feature that follows local interpreters from Iraq and Afghanistan who worked with US forces and are now trying to rebuild their lives.
2018 Austin Film Festival Jury Award Winners
Narrative Feature: Clara, written by Akash Sherman and James Ewasiuk Documentary Feature: The Interpreters, directed by Andres Caballero and Sofian Khan Comedy Vanguard Feature: In Reality, written by Ann Lupo, Esteban Pedraza, and Aaron Pryka Dark Matters Feature: Ghost Light, written by Geoffrey Taylor and John Stimpson Narrative Short presented by ShortsTV: Judas Collar, written by Alison James Narrative Student Short: Woman in Stall, written by Josh Boles Documentary Short: Father K, directed by Judd Ehrlich Animated Short: Sister, written by Siqi Song Scripted Digital Series presented by Stage 13: Song in the Sky, created by Samuel Frederich2018 Austin Film Festival Hiscox Audience Award Winners
Narrative Feature: Above the Clouds, written by Simon Lord Documentary Feature: Care to Laugh, directed by Julie Getz Dark Matters Feature: Alive, written by Jules Vincent and Chuck McCue Comedy Vanguard Feature: In Reality, written by Ann Lupo, Esteban Pedraza, and Aaron Pryka Texas Independent Feature: The Iron Orchard, written by Gerry De Leon and Ty Roberts Narrative Short: Everything Mattress, written by Chase Joliet Documentary Short: Father K, directed by Judd Ehrlich Animated Short: Lost & Found, written by Bradley Slabe Narrative Student Short: Tiny Warriors, written by Jono Chanin Scripted Digital Series: The Gary Gold Story, created by Greg Ash Marquee Feature: Green Book, written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie, and Peter Farrelly2018 Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition Winners
Drama Screenplay Award presented by the Writers Guild of America, East: Horsehead Girls by Wenonah Wilms Comedy Screenplay Award presented by Sony Pictures Animation: Sex APPeal by Tate Elizabeth Hanyok Sci-Fi Screenplay Award: Our Own Devices by Paul Vance Enderby Entertainment Award (scripts that can be produced under $10 million): Project Horizon by Charles Morris, II Horror Screenplay Award: The Patience of Vultures by Greg Sisco AMC Drama Teleplay Pilot Award: Worth by Stuti Malhotra Comedy Pilot Award: What Will Jessie Do? by Kevin Luperchio Short Screenplay Award: Ruby Throat by Sarah Polhaus Scripted Digital Series Award presented by Stage 13: Epizootic by Dan Young Drama Teleplay Spec Award: The Handmaid’s Tale, “Rebels” by Angela Jorgensen Comedy Teleplay Spec Award: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, “Kimmy Volunteers!” by Maggie Gottlieb Playwriting Award: Particular Disposition by Benjamin Fulk Fiction Podcast Award: The Rest Stop at the End of the Universe by Samuel Suksiri2018 Austin Film Festival Josephson Entertainment Screenwriting Fellowship Winners
In addition, producer Barry Josephson announced the selected fellows for the inaugural Josephson Entertainment Screenwriting Fellowship, which will provide a one-on-one mentorship with Josephson and his team in Los Angeles for the writers of one feature screenplay and one teleplay pilot. The winners were: Feature Screenplay: The Death of Colm Canter by Revati Dhomse & Hector Lowe Teleplay Pilot: Lifers Anonymous by Sean Collins-Smith
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GREEN BOOK, FREE SOLO, RELAXER, AMÉRICA Win at 2018 Virginia Film Festival
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L to R: Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali in GREEN BOOK[/caption]
After showcasing an impressive lineup of nearly 200 films, the audience attending the 31st Annual Virginia Film Festival voted Peter Farrelly’s Green Book winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, and National Geographic’s Free Solo won for Best Documentary Feature. Relaxer won the 2018 Programmer’s Awards for Best Narrative Feature, and América won for Best Documentary Feature.
The Virginia Film Festival also presented its first-ever Commonwealth Awards to honor their achievements of Virginia filmmakers. The inaugural Commonwealth Award winners were Fiddlin’, for Best Virginia Feature Film, and Werowocomoco, for Best Virginia Short Film.
2018 Virginia Film Festival Audience Awards
Narrative Feature: Green Book Documentary Feature: Free Solo Narrative Short: Are You Volleyball?! Documentary Short: Unstuck: An OCD Kids Movie2018 Virginia Film Festival Programmer’s Awards
Narrative Feature: Relaxer Documentary Feature: América Narrative Short: Lamb Documentary Short: Like Dolls, I’ll Rise
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MY NAME IS MYEISHA Wins Best Film at 2018 Ithaca Fantastik
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My Name is Myeisha[/caption]
The Ithaca Fantastik film festival wrapped up the 7th edition of genre programming, documentaries, events last Sunday, and awarded the top prize of Best Film to MY NAME IS MYEISHA, directed by Gus Krieger.
The 2018 edition of the festival hosted films from 19 different countries and welcomed guests such as STARFISH director A.T. White; GIRLS WITH BALLS actress Anne-Solenne Hatte; Perry Blackshear, director of THE RUSALKA; BOILED ANGELS director Frank Henenlotter, producer Mike Hunchback and criminal indie comic book artist and subject of the film Mike Diana; and CAM actor Patch Darragh. The festival also hosted the very first DRUNKEN CINEMA projection in the US where spectators were invited to participate to an informal drinking game involving secret rules while watching an 80’s classic genre film.
This year, the jury was composed of Yellow Veil Pictures co-owner Joe Yanick, programmer and producer Vanessa Meyer and the Archive co-owner and Vinegar Syndrome lead restoration artist Brandon Upson.
2018 Ithaca Fantastik Film Festival Award Winners
Best Film: MY NAME IS MYEISHA, dir. Gus Krieger Best Screenplay: DOG, Samuel Benchetrit and Gábor Rassov Best Achievement in Directing: Gus Krieger, MY NAME IS MYEISHA Special Mention directing: Yann Gonzalez, KNIFE + HEARTShort Films
Best Horror Short: MILK dir. Santiago Menghini Best WTF! Short: MOTHER FUCKER dir. Nicholas Payne, who was in attendance at the festival. Best comedy Short: FETISH, dirs. David Lee Hess and Richard H. PerryNecessary Voices Short Films
The Necessary Voices shorts section was created this year to uplift the voices of filmmakers and narratives that often aren’t lifted. This year’s Necessary Voices honorable mentions are as follows : DEATH METAL GRANDMA, dir. Leah Galant, EVERY GHOST HAS AN ORCHESTRA, dir. Shayna Connely TiCK, dir. Ashlea Wessel THOSE WHO CAN DIE, dir. Charlotte Cayeux SWEET DECEIT, dir. Shannon Jones ENTROPIA, dir. Marinah Janello BFF GIRLS, dir. Brian LonanoAudience Awards
Cinema Pur Audience Award: KEEP AN EYE OUT, dir. Quentin Dupieux International Competition Audience Award: MY NAME IS MYEISHA, dir. Gus Krieger Short Audience Award: FETISH, dirs. David Lee Hess and Richard H. Perry
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Miami Film Festival to Host Fashion in Film Program for 2019 Festival
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Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex Fashion & Disco[/caption]
Miami Design District (MDD) will partner with Miami Dade College (MDC) to present the acclaimed Fashion in Film Festival in the Miami Design District as part of the upcoming 36th edition of Miami Film Festival, March 1 to 10, 2019. The Fashion in Film Festival will be curated by Marketa Uhlirova, University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins.
“Cinema at its best takes us to places of wonder, and for our next edition Miami Film Festival will take cinema to a new place of wonder: the Miami Design District, one of Miami’s coolest neighborhoods,” said Miami Film Festival executive director Jaie Laplante. “We are thrilled to be expanding the 36th edition of the Festival into this oasis for culture, art, food, fashion, and film.”
“Every year Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival puts on an extraordinary and surprising program. This year, the Miami Design District is honored to co-present and host the Fashion in Film Festival through this collaboration and partnership with the Miami Film Festival and Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, London. We are grateful to Cathy Leff for helping bring Fashion in Film to the District and this new and exciting partnership with the Miami Film Festival,” said Craig Robins, President & CEO of Dacra, the real estate development company behind the Miami Design District. “The District serves as a center for high fashion, luxury and design. It also is a vibrant cultural hub where creative and enriching programming comes to life that serves our community. I couldn’t think of a better place for Fashion in Film to take place. Get your tickets early.”
This special Miami edition of the London festival takes place during the final weekend of Miami Film Festival, March 8 to 10th.The program will consist of a specially curated program comprising screenings, performance, panel discussions, and chats that explore the intersection between fashion and cinema. The program will be presented at Nite Owl Theater and in Paradise Plaza, a popular convening place within the District.
“For Miami, I am interested in staging a speculative dialogue between cinema, fashion and art – as three areas of creative practice that are normally seen as separate – to consider different kinds of intersections and continuities among them. Looking at the entire history of cinema it is evident that fashion and dress have been among major concerns for filmmakers and artists working in the medium of moving image. There has been great interest in the rituals of dressing, undressing, and posing; in self-fashioning and physical transformation; in the decadently pleasurable qualities of decorative surfaces, in the poetry and uncanny tension between the organic and the artificial body – and that of disembodied clothes that assume a life of their own,” commented curator Marketa Uhlirova, co-founder and director of the annual London festival.
While the full line-up of Fashion in Film will be unveiled in late January, Uhlirova, Laplante, and Leff divulged details of the program’s opening event taking place on March 8th. In collaboration with London composer, music producer, and filmmaker Rollo Smallcombe, Uhlirova will present The Inferno Unseen, their own assemblage of rushes from the kinetically experimental visuals of Henri-George Clouzot’s The Inferno, starring Romy Schneider, one of the most tantalizing uncompleted projects in film history. Smallcombe will accompany the presentation with live music. A Festival party on the rooftop deck of Paradise Plaza will complete the evening.
Miami Design District and Miami Film Festival’s announcement was unveiled at a reception in one of the future venues for the program, Nite Owl Theater, and was accompanied by a screening of James Crump’s new fashion documentary Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, Fashion & Disco, courtesy of Film Movement.
Miami Film Festival is the only major film festival produced and presented worldwide by a college or university. MDC is also home to the renowned Miami Fashion Institute which has also used film as a teaching tool with its popular film series.
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8 Documentaries to Watch at 2018 DOC NYC
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Beyond the Bolex[/caption]
DOC NYC kicks off this weekend and the lineup is bursting with titles. Here are a few interesting documentary films to give you a sense of the programming and inspire a reason to get out and watch something nice, or at least fun.
‘63 Boycott
Gordon Quinn’s new short film 63’ Boycott looks to be not just another social issue film about racial segregation in Chicago public schools, but a relevant piece about activism that is still happening over half a century later. Mixing unseen archival footage (shot by Quinn himself) from the Freedom Day movement with present-day video from demonstrations, there are a clear similarities drawn between then and now. Quinn being an active participant of organizations for the betterment of communities they serve, 63’ Boycott seems to have the energy to get people on the streets. Director Gordon Quinn with producers Rachel Dickson and Tracye A. Matthews are expected to be at the screening on November 9th at the IFC Center.Beyond the Bolex
A film with a production history that may have been years in the making, filmmaker Alyssa Bolsey creates a portrait of the inventor of the Bolex camera, her great-grandfather Jacques Bolsey. Using materials from family photos as well the possibly limitless hours of footage shot from a Bolex, Bolsey paints a picture of the Steve Jobs like inventor/designer. Director Alyssa Bolsey is expected to attend the world premiere on November 8th at the Chelsea Cinepolis.Barbara Rubin & The Exploding NY Underground
An undiscussed figure of the 60s underground art scene, Barbara Rubin was out there. Chuck Smith takes the time to elaborate the fascinating profile of Rubin contextualizing the avant-garde films she’s made. Chronicling her life from hanging out with the likes of Andy Warhol and Allen Ginsberg to settling down in France with a Hasidic Jewish community. Smith’s film includes interviews with people who knew her well including Amy Taubin and Jonas Mekas. Director Chuck Smith is expected to attend to screening on November 11th at the IFC Center.The Eyes of Orson Welles
From the same Irish narration of Mark Cousins, from The Story of Film: An Odyssey, comes a conversational look at the unseen artwork of Orson Welles. Sketches, storyboards, poems, notes; it all comes out and is explored with a soft touch, as if it were an interview that Welles could only be a part of by speaking from his art. Cousins’ is expected to be at the screening on November 12th at Chelsea Cinepolis.Hillbilly
Similar to Walter Evan’s work documenting Americans during the Great Depression, directors Sally Rubin and Ashley York’s film looks at the “American hillbilly.” Especially interesting during a time when that label has contentious connotations concerning America’s political atmosphere. Going to York’s hometown in Appalachian Hills, the women give wider perspective on the classical stereotype of close-minded ignorance. Both directors are expected to attend the screening on November 12th at the IFC Center.My Dead Dad’s Porno Tapes
Charlie Tyrell’s new short film has a title with a combined meaning of being off-putting (“Dad’s Porno Tapes”) but deeply personal (“Dead Dad”.) With a similar to Dear Zachary, Tyrell focuses on the recently formed bond shared between him and his late father, by way of a VHS pornography collection. Subject matter aside there is a combination of archival photography of his father along with stop-motion animation, a process that is far too tedious to not be commendable. Charlie Tyrell is expected to attend the screen on November 9th at the IFC Center.See Know Evil
The photography of Davide Sorrenti is known for being anti-glamour and disturbingly melancholic, but the story of his very short life has yet to be properly told. Having been a part of youth culture of the 90s, the heroin scene, and even a relationship with Jaime King; Sorrenti could be described as a James Dean for fashion photography. Director Charlie Curran who has done work in both film and fashion should be no stranger to the kind of image making that makes iconic personas. Curran and his team are expected to be at world premiere on November 9th at the SVA Theatre.What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael
A self-explanatory title but Pauline Kael deserves more than that. Being one of the most well known film critics ever, Rob Graver’s portrait of Kael seeks to contextualize the critic to make sense of the madness. Including interviews from filmmakers and writers alike, archived footage, clips from relevant films; perhaps this doc is more than a celebration of an iconic figure in film criticism, it’s a spotlight on a leading women figure in a world of men. Director Rob Graver along with producers Glen Zipper and Doug Blush will be attendance at the screening on November 11th at the SVA Theatre, followed by an extended conversation with critics David Edelstein, Stephanie Zacharek, and Eric Kohn.
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Glenn Close to Receive Icon Award for her Performance in THE WIFE at Palm Springs International Film Festival
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Glenn Close in The Wife[/caption]
Glenn Close will receive the Icon Award at the 30th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) for her performance in The Wife. The Festival runs January 3-14.
In The Wife, Joan Castleman (Glenn Close) has spent forty years sacrificing her own identity and dreams to support her charismatic husband Joe (Jonathan Pryce) and his stellar literary career. Ignoring infidelities and excuses made in the cause of his art, she has put up with his behavior with undiminished grace and humor. The foundations of their marriage have, however, been built upon a set of uneven compromises – and Joan has reached a turning point. On the eve of Joe’s Nobel Prize for Literature, Joan confronts the biggest sacrifice of her life and some long-buried secrets. Directed by Björn Runge from a screenplay by Jane Anderson, based on the best-selling book by Meg Wolitzer, The Wife stars Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, Christian Slater, Max Irons, Harry Lloyd, Annie Starke and Elizabeth McGovern. The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d81IM0loH7o
“Glenn Close is a rare and enduring talent who has consistently brought challenging characters to life on film, television and stage for over four decades,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “In her latest feature film, The Wife, she gives a tour-de-force performance as the perfect spouse, who relinquishes her own ambitions to propel her husband’s career. It is our honor to present the 2019 Icon Award to Glenn Close.”
Close, a six-time Academy Award nominee, made her feature debut in The World According to Garp, earning her first Oscar nomination. She was subsequently Oscar-nominated for The Big Chill, The Natural, Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons and Albert Nobbs, for which she was also co-screenwriter, producer and lyricist on the Golden-Globe nominated song, “Lay Your Head Down.” She stars with Jonathan Pryce in Jane Anderson’s film adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s bestselling novel, The Wife, as well as in Jane Anderson’s play, The Mother of the Maid, currently on stage at New York’s Public Theater through December 23. Her theater credits include Love for Love, The Crucifer of Blood, Barnum (Tony nomination) and Tony Awards for her performances in The Real Thing, Death and the Maiden and Sunset Boulevard. Starting in 2007, Ms. Close headlined the legal thriller Damages for five seasons, winning two consecutive Best Actress Emmys. Her 12 Golden Globe nominations include a Best Actress Award for a television production of The Lion in Winter. Among her 12 Emmy nominations is a Best Actress Award for Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (earning her a Peabody Award as executive producer).
Past recipients of the Icon Award include Willem Dafoe, Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. In 2011, the Palm Springs International Film Festival gave Close the Career Achievement Award for her performance in Albert Nobbs.
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First Films Confirmed for 2019 International Film Festival Rotterdam
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The Day I Lost My Shadow[/caption]
As the 48th edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) fast approaches, the festival is announcing the first 26 confirmed titles, including new films by Claire Denis, Jia Zhangke and Garin Nugroho. IFFR 2019 will take place from January23 to February 3, 2019.
The confirmed titles include the world premiere of Simona Kostova’s Dreissig and the international premiere of Fabienne Godet’s Nos vies formidables. Other filmmakers on the selection list so far are Nadine Labaki with her new film Capernaum and Khalik Allah with his Black Mother, a piercing reflection on Jamaican identity which won the Yellow Robin Award at Curaçao IFFR in April 2018. BNK48: Girls Don’t Cry, a European premiere, is a remarkable documentary feature by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit chronicling the intense lives of a group of pop singers living together in Bangkok. And with I diari di Angela – Noi due cineasti Yervant Gianikian has created a moving portrait of his partner in cinema Angela Ricci Lucchi, who passed away in 2018.
Three of the films selected so far received support from IFFR’s Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) in previous years: The Day I Lost My Shadow by Soudade Kaadan and Rafiki by Wanuri Kahiu in 2016, The Load by Ognjen Glavonić in 2013.
IFFR celebrates film art from all over the world and presents its program within four sections, each with its own distinct character: Bright Future (including the Tiger Competition and the Ammodo Tiger Short Competition), Voices, Deep Focus and Perspectives. Short films are strongly represented throughout all sections.
Festival director Bero Beyer: “We’re delighted to present an appealing and rich first selection of titles to screen at our upcoming festival. There are names we’ve seen before in Rotterdam, and ones that are brand new. Together they exemplify the type of bold and daring cinema we like to celebrate at IFFR.”
Bright Future
Black Mother, Khalik Allah, 2018, Jamaica/USA Core of the World, Natalia Meshchaninova, 2018, Russia/Lithuania The Day I Lost My Shadow, Soudade Kaadan, 2018, Lebanon (supported by HBF in 2016) Dreissig/Thirty, Simona Kostova, 2019, Germany, world premiere The Load, Ognjen Glavonić, 2018, Serbia/France/Croatia/Iran/Qatar (supported by HBF in 2013) Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Bi Gan, 2018, China/France The Proposal, Jill Magid, 2018, USAVoices
BNK48: Girls Don’t Cry, Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, 2018, Thailand, European premiere Knife + Heart, Yann Gonzalez, 2018, France/Mexico Memories of My Body, Garin Nugroho, 2018, Indonesia The Mountain, Rick Alverson, 2018, USA Nos vies formidables/Our Wonderful Lives, Fabienne Godet, 2018, France, international premiere Tel Aviv on Fire, Sameh Zoabi, 2018, Israel/France/Luxembourg/BelgiumVoices: Limelight
Ash Is Purest White, Jia Zhangke, 2018, China/France De Camino – Een feature-length selfie, Martin de Vries, 2019, Netherlands, world premiere Capernaum, Nadine Labaki, 2018, Lebanon Leto/Summer, Kirill Serebrennikov, 2018, Russia/France Rafiki, Wanuri Kahiu, 2018, Kenya/South Africa (supported by HBF in 2016)Deep focus
High Life, Claire Denis, 2018, Germany/France/USA/United Kingdom/Poland I diari di Angela – Noi due cineasti, Yervant Gianikian, 2018, ItalyShort films
Anteu, João Vladimiro, 2018, Portugal/France Lost Tune, Reetu Sattar, 2019, Bangladesh, world premiere Primeiro ato/First Act, Matheus Parizi, 2019, Brazil, world premiere Pwdre Ser (the rot of stars), Charlotte Pryce, 2019, USA, world premiere Salt, Pepper to Taste, Teymur Hajiyev, 2019, Azerbaijan, world premiere Van ver staat het stil/Still from afar, Eva van Tongeren, 2018, Belgium, international premiere
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CREATING A CHARACTER: THE MONI YAKIM LEGACY Releases New Clip + Poster
A new video clip and poster debuted today for the new documentary feature Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy that highlights the incredible legacy of Moni Yakim – a groundbreaking acting teacher whose techniques have influenced many of the most known actors in the world.
Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy is presented by former students Jessica Chastain and Anthony Mackie, featuring interviews with alumni such as Oscar Isaac, Laura Linney, and Kevin Kline; and will have its world premiere on Sunday November 11 at 9PM at the SVA theatre in New York at DOC NYC.
Using verite coverage, archival footage, and mime, the film portrays Moni’s journey as a young artist from Jerusalem to France in the 1950’s where he studied with the fathers of Mime, Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux. Discovered by Stella Adler, he became one of the founders of the Julliard Drama Division and the only one there 50 years later. The film also explores the experience of actors training at Juilliard, where an emerging star named Alex Sharp is followed from his very first year in Moni’s class to landing a leading role in a Tony Award Winning Broadway show.